Sparta man pleads guilty to spring shooting spree near Grand Valley State University
ALLENDALE, Mich. — A Sparta man has pleaded guilty in connection with a series of shootings in the Allendale area that targeted homes and a business last spring. Riley Leary, 21, pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from incidents on May 3, 2025, including felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon, felony...
A ‘tail’ of two horses: Meijer Gardens icon’s twin stands in Milan
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park near Grand Rapids is home to Nina Akamu's The American Horse, towering above visitors at 24 feet tall. An identical behemoth stands in front of a horse racing venue in Milan.
West Michigan construction founder whose work ‘defined downtown’ dies at 94
Larry Erhardt Sr., who founded Erhardt Construction Co. and oversaw several major projects that reshaped downtown Grand Rapids, died on Feb. 5 at the age of 94. After starting the company in 1962, Erhardt’s enduring portfolio included downtown landmarks such as DeVos Place Convention Center, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel,...
Mother accused of suffocating toddler appears in court
Mother accused of suffocating toddler appears in court. Kent County resident Irene Whitehead, 27, eyes well with tears after watching a cellphone video of her child during a preliminary examination at Kent County 63rd District Court in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Monday, February 9, 2026. The mother is accused of...
Grand Rapids man’s new kidney changed everything, including his career
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — This Saturday is not only Valentine's Day, but it's also National Donor Day, a time to raise awareness about organ donation and celebrate all the lives that have been saved. This year, Gift of Life Michigan has a lot to celebrate. The organization is proud to announce that the number of...
Grand Rapids agrees to pay $195K to residents impacted by water main break flooding
The city of Grand Rapids has agreed to settle with the residents of a neighborhood that was flooded in 2024 due to a water main break.
New furniture stores moving in to two former W MI Art Van Furniture spots
Michigan furniture company Gardner White is expanding into the west side of the state.
John Ball Zoo taps Grand Action dealmaker for major aquarium project
John Ball Zoo has tapped Jon Nunn, the longtime Grand Action leader who helped deliver Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place, to advance plans for a large-scale aquarium in Kent County, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business has learned. Nunn will advance stakeholder engagement and assist with due diligence for the...
K Elite Dance Academy performing for NASCAR in April
K Elite Dance Academy was founded to bring dance to girls in the Grand Rapids area at an affordable price point. They offer a variety of classes for different age levels, ensuring that every dancer is treated equally and given a chance to perform, regardless of their amount of dance experience.
GVSU to Build $166M Tech Hub in Downtown Grand Rapids
(TNS) — A four-story, 58,247-square-foot building addition at a cost of $64.6 million. An “immersive reality lab” with 360-degree video displays, allowing for group virtual reality experiences. A main floor cafe, inviting the community in to learn more about Grand Valley State University’s downtown technology hub.

















